Rep. John-Michael Parker

Maddy summaryHB 5156 establishes a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to fund climate adaptation projects by holding fossil fuel entities accountable for historical emissions. It targets fossil fuel companies (defined as entities extracting or refining fossil fuels during 1995-2024 that caused over 1 billion metric tons of emissions) to pay into a fund, rather than using taxpayer money. The fund finances specific climate adaptation projects, including coastal wetland restoration, stormwater system upgrades, urban heat mitigation, and protecting food systems from climate impacts, with priority for environmental justice communities. Projects must align with "nature-based solutions" like green infrastructure and energy-efficient retrofits for public buildings. The program is administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, starting October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Academic Research Funding Commission within the Executive Department to distribute research grants to faculty at Connecticut colleges and universities. The commission will include 13 members appointed by various state officials, including university leaders, legislative leaders, and industry representatives, with co-chairs from the vice presidents of research at UConn and Yale. Its primary function is to award grants that help offset research funding reductions caused by cuts from federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. The commission will operate without compensation for its members, who will receive expense reimbursements, and will establish its own procedures through bylaws.

Maddy summarySB 149 updates definitions for Connecticut's Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (CFM/WIC), clarifying terms like "certified farmer" (replacing "vendor") and "Connecticut-grown" produce. It specifies that benefits (replacing "vouchers") can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, and processed farm products like baked goods made with local ingredients. The bill directly affects certified farmers selling at authorized markets, WIC participants using benefits, and the Department of Agriculture administering the program. These revisions aim to align state operations with federal guidelines while streamlining program rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of Connecticut to join the Association of Research Universities by mandating the hiring of at least ten top-tier research faculty members by June 2029. The legislation requires the university to submit annual progress reports to the state legislature and allocates $35 million in state funding for faculty salaries and benefits. Additionally, it grants the State Bond Commission authority to issue up to $20 million in state bonds to finance infrastructure improvements like laboratory space and equipment needed to support the new faculty. These provisions aim to enhance the university's research capabilities and competitive standing while establishing accountability through regular reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5152 modifies rules for open burning to prevent wildfires. It allows residential brush burning on private property with a local permit, but prohibits it during high fire danger, poor air quality, or near forests within 100 feet. Municipal landfills, transfer stations, and recycling centers can burn brush up to six times yearly with fire marshal approval and commissioner review, but must ban burning leaves, demolition waste, or other solid waste. The bill also adds new permitted uses like agricultural cleanup after disasters and wildlife habitat management, while requiring local officials to be certified and setting fees for permits. These changes directly affect homeowners, municipalities, and fire officials managing burn permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to order the losing party in forcible entry and detainer cases to pay reasonable attorney's fees to the winning party. It directly affects landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings where property was forcibly entered, detained, or damaged. The key provision requires judges to award attorney's fees when they find that forcible entry occurred, damage was caused, or regaining possession would require breaking the peace. The law also permits courts to award double damages along with attorney's fees in specific civil actions related to these types of property disputes. These changes take effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 8 creates a new Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program administered by Connecticut's Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority. It provides state-funded loans to graduate students enrolled in eligible programs (requiring a bachelor's degree) starting July 1, 2026, with funding secured through a $10 million state bond issue. The program uses a dedicated account to issue loans for graduate education, with repayment terms established by the loan authority. This directly affects Connecticut graduate students seeking financial support for advanced degree programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a refundable child tax credit for families with up to three children, starting at $150 per child in 2026 and increasing to $600 per child by 2028. It phases out for higher-income households: single filers over $100,000, heads of household over $160,000, and married couples filing jointly over $200,000 (reducing by 5% for every $1,000 over these thresholds). The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive it even if they owe no income tax. It directly affects low-to-moderate income families with children under age 18.

Maddy summaryHB 5134 establishes a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child for families with up to three children. It directly affects low-to-moderate income households, specifically those with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000 for single filers or $200,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families may receive the full credit amount even if it exceeds their income tax liability. This policy change reduces tax burden for qualifying families with children, using the state’s personal income tax system to provide direct financial support.

Maddy summarySB 1542 prohibits law enforcement from handcuffing children under 12 years old in most situations, directly affecting officers and youth in custody. The law bans the use of handcuffs on children under 12 unless there is an immediate threat of harm to others. This legislation, now Public Act 25-163 after being signed by the governor on July 8, 2025, focuses on preventing unnecessary physical restraint of young children during interactions with police.